Clinical spectrum and outcome of severe malaria in pediatric age group in North-West part of Rajasthan

Abstract

Background: Malaria is a Life- threatening blood disease caused by parasites and influenced the human population and human history to a great extent. This study aims to describe the clinical spectrum, outcome of severe Malaria and compare the severity of plasmodium species. Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Department of Pediatrics, PBM and Associated Group of Hospitals, Bikaner from June 2012 to December 2012. Only those patients having severe malaria as per WHO 2010 guidelines were included in this study. The diagnosis was made by peripheral blood examination &/or RDT. Results: 30.37% (130 patients) were categorized as severe malaria according to WHO guidelines. Maximum cases of severe malaria 53.07% presented in 0-5 year age group. The preponderance of male sex in all species of severe malaria. The major complication encountered in severe malaria was severe anemia (78.5%). Plsmodium falciparum infection was found to be more serious to cause significant mortality as comparison to Plasmodiium vivax infection and mixed infection. Conclusion: we should further give a second thought before labelling P.vivax as benign infection and should consider the chances of complications seriously in P.vivax because it has greater burden in society. Keywords: Malaria, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, Severe, Bikaner